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Tech CEO benefits from being an outsider

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Tech CEO dares staff to fail

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Tech CEO dares staff to fail03:00

She has raised the country's minimum wage, helped pass a massive loan bill to overhaul Thailand's transportation infrastructure, and also become the country's first female defense minister -- a position she says she is uniquely qualified to handle because she is a woman.

"Males and females can do this role," she says. "But females will be more concerned about the morale and the support, and building teamwork."

But more recently, protests have erupted in the nation's capital amid opposition to a proposed amnesty bill.

As part of a push for unity in the country, the government proposed an amnesty bill which includes a controversial amendment offering a reprieve for any politically-related offenses since January 1 2004.

The public dissent -- which has seen thousands march through Bangkok's streets -- stems from the fact that the period specified in the bill includes the time her brother, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in power, reports the Bangkok Post.

It's this family connection where the Thai Prime Minister has been unable to bridge the deep political divide in her country.

Yingluck Shinawatra is the youngest sister of the charismatic and deeply polarizing former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who led the country for five years before the military removed him from power in 2006.

Recently in Milan, she wore a Thai silk jacket that drew attention since it was stained by the flood waters of 2011. It generated a media debate about whether it was appropriate for Thailand's Prime Minister to be seen wearing it.

But Yingluck has also used the media to advance her own platform, including the launch of "Smart Lady Thailand" -- a reality TV show out to empower young women.

The show prompted a jab from Thai opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva who made reference to a "Stupid Woman." While Vejjajiva later said the remark was not directed at a particular person, and not intended as an insult to women, Yingluck supporters called it sexist.

Yingluck Shinawatra offered a neutral response: "I don't want to interpret what he meant, but ... please give a chance for all ladies and Thai people."

Our interview was only the second time CNN sat down with the Thai Prime Minister on camera. My local producer commented to me that Yingluck today, comes across as more media savvy, confident, and serene compared to two years ago when she first came to office.

Yingluck may never fully leave the shadow of her brother let alone the scrutiny of her naysayers, but she appears to be a woman trying to make peace with her position.

"People expect you to run the country with sincerity and hard effort to deliver what we promise to the people," she says.